From left to right: 2015 iCare Award Winners Doctor Michael D'Agostino (Physician Category), Velma McClelland (Volunteer Category), Doctor Derek Hopgood (2015 Doctor William Hutchinson Award Winner), Franca Iachetta (Employee Category).
From left to right: 2015 iCare Award Winners Doctor Michael D’Agostino (Physician Category), Velma McClelland (Volunteer Category), Doctor Derek Hopgood (2015 Doctor William Hutchinson Award Winner), Franca Iachetta (Employee Category).

It was announced on Monday that Doctor Derek Hopgood is this year’s recipient of the Doctor William Hutchinson Award.  The award is given in recognition of distinguished contributions to health care in Sault Ste. Marie and the Algoma District.  After completing his medical degree in London, England, Doctor Hopgood practised at McMaster University Hospital in Hamilton and maintained a general practice in Blind River before completing specialist training in Psychiatry in the Sault.  In addition to bringing the Program for Assertive Community Treatment to Sault Ste. Marie, Doctor Hopgood has been instrumental in developing the ‘Shadows Of The Mind’ film festival and was an active members of the North East Mental Health Implementation Task Force.  He was also a member of a provincial advisory panel looking at the development of PACT services across Ontario.  In accepting his honour, Doctor Hopgood talked about meeting the very first Doctor William Hutchinson Award winner back in 1976 — Doctor Frank Hammel.  Among his accomplishments, Doctor Hammel practiced in Blind River and delivered two thousand babies, immunized children between Massey and Iron Bridge and provided medical services to people in the woods north of Blind River and north of Wawa.  Doctor Hopgood added that this was a tough act to follow and that he was honoured to follow in Doctor Hammel’s footsteps.

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Monday’s AGM included the 4th Annual iCare Awards.  The Employee winner is Franca Iachetta.  Arriving as an immigrant to Canada, she has worked at the Sault Area Hospital for 14 years.  Iachetta is described as a dedicated, highly skilled social worker.  Examples of that dedication include assisting people during off hours and purchasing personal and household items for patients.  In an emotional speech, Iachetta mentioned her father who she mentioned he would have been proud of her.  Velma McClelland won the Volunteer award for her 20 years of service.  She was credited for her fundraising work for the SAH — volunteers have raised more than 700 thousand dollars since the new hospital opened.  Doctor Michael D’Agostino won the Physician Award.  The General and Forensic Pathologist was recognized for his work in collaboration with community partners and for his work in developing a proposal to establish the Regional Forensic Pathology Unit at SAH.

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Four new members for the Board of Directors at the Sault Area Hospital.  Former ADSB Director of Education Mario Turco is on for a one year term, while current public school board trustee Brent Rankin, OLG Controller Vice-President Lisa Bell-Murray and Essar Steel Human Resources Vice-President Jim Rennie will be on the board for the next three years.  Pramod Shukla will remain on the board of directors for another three year term.  Leaving the board of directors are Lorne Carter, Joy Haley, Anthony Marrato and Mark Barsanti.  Greg Peres will serve as Board Chair for 2015-16, with Reg St. Amour as Vice-Chair and Debbie Romano as Treasurer.  Chief Executive Officer will remain on the board as Secretary.